AN arson attack has gutted the flat of a man who is remanded in custody on theft and robbery charges.

Firefighters battled against the flames and smoke at the council flat in Board School Road in Maybury and while they were able to prevent neighbouring properties from being damaged, the inside of the flat was destroyed.

The door of the ground floor flat is now boarded up and a St George’s flag covers a small window.

A police dog searching for suspicious materials was first on the scene at 7pm on Saturday after firefighters had put out the fire.

Investigations are ongoing at the scene but the police confirmed it was being treated as arson and said an accelerant was used to start the blaze.

Woking Borough Council named the tenant registered to the flat as Michael Teeder.

According to police, Mr Teeder appeared at Woking Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of theft from a person and robbery. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Guildford Crown Court on September 18.

Matt Burrows, from Surrey Fire and Rescue, said crews arrived at the scene at 7.09pm.

He added: “There was 100% damage to the flat. It is a small flat and there was a fire investigation officer in attendance, who spent considerable time with the police at the scene.

“A hydrocarbon dog was also requested from Sussex and the matter is now with Surrey Police for further investigation.”

The dog is trained to sniff for any accelerants that may have started the fire.

He said: “There was smoke issuing from the window of the flat. Woking crews were there first and they put in two firefighters with breathing apparatus and a hose reel.

“There was probably more smoke damage than anything. The incident could have been quite nasty. I believe the occupant was out at the time, which was lucky.”

Neighbour Bianca Burrows lives on the first floor of the flats and spotted fire engines and police cars arriving to deal with the emergency. Mrs Burrows said: “People were worried because the guy that lives there has got two dogs but they weren’t in there.

“I saw two fire engines and six police cars.

“I think the police are treating it as suspicious as they asked lots of questions.”

Mrs Burrows said it was good that firefighters arrived quickly as the blaze could have spread to neighbouring properties.

Sue Keggans, the borough council’s housing manager, said: “The council-owned property was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

“It was secured as a matter of urgency by Woking Repair Service.

“The council is currently in the process of assessing the damage, but initial reports suggest the flat is gutted and will require considerable restoration before it is habitable again.

“In cases of fire damage to council-owned properties, we would claim through our insurers.

“If it comes to light that the fire was started deliberately, it will, of course, become a matter for the police.”